Property Management Blog

How do you handle security deposits for your Northern Virginia property? This question comes up a lot. Landlords often need help with how to disburse money, manage the requirements, and meet the timelines.  Collecting a Security DepositYour security deposit is just that: security. You have the money to fix whatever needs to be fixed ...

We talk about the fact that when you own a rental property, you now own a business. The home is your product, your tenant is your client. You’ve got to keep accurate records, manage expenses and keep revenue coming in the door. As a property manager, that’s our job. Record keeping is a big part of managing a business and when ...

Many home buyers will get a home warranty as part of their sale contract and sellers will offer it as a way to assure the buyer that if something breaks during the first year of ownership, the warranty policy will cover the expense and all will be fine.  If you are living in the property, you may be ok dealing with the hassle, time w...

As the New Year approaches, we want to review twelve practices that we, as a property management company, continually use to protect our clients' investment.1 - Support Fair Housing This is crucial to successful property management. This covers a vast area such as advertising, showings, tenant selection, equal opportunity practices fo...

Cold weather is here in Virginia now and with the change of seasons comes a list of things renters need to pay special attention to. Here are a few fall and winter tips you can advise your renters about to ensure your home stays safe and warm during the colder days ahead.For the exterior:Hoses, Spigots, and SprinklersFrozen pipes can...

Perhaps you just bought a rental property, or maybe you own several. You may be trying to decide whether you want to manage the properties on your own, or hire a professional property manager. There are pros and cons to each option, and today we’re talking about what you need to think about when you’re trying to make this deci...

No matter how long you’ve been investing in real estate, problems will crop up that you’ve never encountered before. Whether you’re renting out a personal property while you are away or a seasoned real estate investor, you are going to need help with your business. Fortunately, there is great news! You don&rsqu...

One of the things that’s really stressful when managing rental property is dealing with repairs. As a landlord, you surely hate the phone calls from your tenant that the toilet isn’t working or the roof is leaking. It’s easy to cringe and wonder how much money you’ll have to spend.There are a few things you can do ...

We get a lot of questions about 1031 exchanges. People ask what they are and how to make them work. I have sold real estate for 23 years, and I have always helped investors buy and sell rentals. I’ve done a lot of 1031 exchanges, and they can benefit you if the situation is right.What is a 1031 Exchange?The 1031 Exchange is also kno...

As an owner of rental property, it’s very important to make sure you and your tenant have the proper insurance coverage. A landlord insurance policy is different from the normal homeowner’s policy that you might have on the house you occupy.There are a few features to look for when you’re buying insurance for your invest...